Getting into the animation industry is as much about who you know as what you know. Networking is the bridge that connects talent and skills to opportunities. By establishing contacts with industry professionals, you can hear about unadvertised roles, receive mentorship and make your mark in a competitive field.
One of the best ways to network is by travelling to festivals and events with an industry slant. The Annecy International Animation Festival in France is one such prominent event for professionals from all over the world. Often dubbed “The Cannes of Animation,” Annecy attracts animators, directors and producers, as well as studios. The festival provides a comprehensive look at the latest films, pilot pitches, and exciting new trends in animation. It’s not just an opportunity for creativity to triumph but also an especially good time for making meaningful contacts.
I have not been fortunate enough to attend Annecy in person, but I was lucky enough to hear about it from some senior students. However, the experience of my classmates underscores the potential for networking at Annecy. At the event, there were famous figures from the industry walking around as though they were part of the crowd. They were going to see shows and participating in question-and-answer sessions. The vibrant atmosphere of animation enthusiasts made it an ideal place for networking.
Now, how should you approach these iconic figures at a festival like Annecy? It’s actually easier than one might think. After an event or a talk show, people usually continue to gather at the local bars. This means a casual setting where all the attendees, from aspiring animators to studio bosses, are giving you the chance to make contacts. Mingling over drinks, talking about your ideas, or even chatting casually about movies that interested both parties will help break the ice and create genuine relationships.
Before you go, look up the attendees and festival schedule. Research the professionals or companies you want to meet, and consider some thoughtful questions or comments about their work. Have a digital portfolio ready to display on your phone or tablet. Having a professional, compact and above all easily portable card with all your contact details on it will also help people remember you. Networking is not about pushing for a job; it’s about making friends. Start conversations with curiosity and a sincere wish to learn. People are more likely to remember you if you have an authentic exchange.
Follow up after the festival with the people whom you have met. A friendly email or LinkedIn connection request can help solidify your relationship and keep you in the other person’s thoughts.Even reaching out to someone you want to follow up with when there is some action happening around their activity can really go a long way in making sure that they remember who you are.
In the end, networking is not just about getting a job; it’s about integrating yourself into the animation community. Annecy and similar events are rare chances to meet the people pulling the strings behind these productions, exchange views and become part of a creative network. And it also doesn’t hurt to socialize over drinks with fellow enthusiasts. Sometimes you never know where you might find your best contacts.